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It’s not everyday we get to report to you from Disneyland — but we sure wish it was! Recently, Dining in Disneyland columnist Heather Sievers found herself in Critter Country at Hungry Bear Restaurant. In this leafy back corner of the park, she soon realized it was just the right time for a snack. Or maybe that realization happened because she saw THIS. Diamond Celebration Mine Car Bucket I mean, a Diamond Celebration Mine Car Bucket filled with anything would be pretty special. I’m thinking popcorn, ice cream (for a crowd?), or maybe even cotton candy would fit the bill nicely. After all, this looks an awful lot like the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Popcorn Bucket that we showed you once upon a time. But back to the present. We can never get enough of fun Diamond Celebration memorabilia — and foods that celebrate this big milestone. But are you kidding me with Chili Cheese Fries?! Seriously. This had to happen. And Inside — Homestyle Chili Cheese Fries! Fries, Chili, Shredded Cheddar. Done. Sure, plastic cheese would be an awesome addition! But we will take what we can get. No telling how long this comfort treat will be around, so hurry if you wanna get yours. In Heather’s words, “They gotta unload these things somehow!” And kudos to Hungry Bear for figuring out a yummo way to do it. Will you be heading to Disneyland to get your Chili Cheese Fries in a souvenir Mine Car Bucket? Leave a comment and let us know! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: Dining in Disneyland: Churro Funnel Cake from Hungry Bear Restaurant Dining in Disneyland: Seasonal Eats at Hungry Bear Restaurant Disneyland Recipe: Lemon Bumblebee Cupcakes from the Hungry Bear Restaurant View the full article

Today marks a momentous occasion as the first-ever Adventures by Disney River Cruise sets sail along the Danube River in Europe. Guests aboard this sailing, which is exclusive to Disney Vacation Club Members, embarked this afternoon on a 7-night journey from Budapest, Hungary to Vilshofen, Germany. Throughout their travels they’ll experience culturally authentic, active adventures in eight destinations across four countries. Adventures by Disney guests are sailing aboard the all-new 170-passenger AmaViola, a river cruise ship custom built with families in mind by the award-winning AmaWaterways. Right now guests are sipping cocktails, enjoying onboard entertainment for all ages and, as it’s currently nighttime in Europe, they’re also beholding this magnificent sight – the city of Budapest aglow on an evening illuminations cruise. What an amazing welcome to Europe! Throughout the next week travelers will delight in tours of iconic cities such as Salzburg and Vienna, take part in medieval activities at a castle, walk along the treetops at a unique outdoor adventures sent, zoom down slides into an underground salt mine, bike through beautiful landscapes dotted with vineyards, celebrate an Oktoberfest-style celebration at a German brewery and so much more. What would you most like to experience on an Adventures by Disney Danube River Cruise? View the full article

#DisneyKids: Staying Cool at Disney’s Blizzard Beach Frozen Games View the full article

Looking for new at”tire”? Some of the newest collections set to debut at Cars Land merchandise locations this summer will get your motor running. The Dinoco themed apparel is just part of the rip-roarin’ fun merchandise that has been created for the entire family. The new line will include an adult and youth tee, fleece and baseball hat. However, if it’s other classic “Cars” characters you seek – look no further than the Tow Mater “No Stall” tee. This authentic collection typically lends itself to be a little more nostalgic in nature, features one of my all-time favorite items – and something I know has been requested time and time again, by friends of mine and by you – a Radiator Springs Fire Dept. tee. Also keep an eye out for the cleverly created U.S. 66 art that will appear on a sign, die-cut keychain and open edition pin. Finally, as many of you know, Cars Land is a beautiful place to visit during the day or night. But it’s at night that you find a special neon glow that brings everything to life. I can say the same for this next collection of items as well. While I wasn’t able to feature everything, I thought I could at least offer a sneak peek at the Cars Land logo fleece and Ramone’s House of Body Art tee. Yes, they actually glow! If you’re thirsty for more, we have you covered. Debuting alongside these items will be a water bottle and travel tumbler, as well as a baseball hat to keep you looking cool, all day long. Look for these new merchandise collections and more at Cars Land locations this summer at Disney California Adventure park. View the full article

The arrival is getting closer… Homecoming: Florida Kitchen and Southern Shine — an upcoming restaurant headed by Chef Art Smith — is coming to Disney Springs soon! Coming Soon — Homecoming: Florida Kitchen and Shine Bar Orlando My Way from WESH TV got a Sneak Peek at the space… and the MENU! It’s all Southern fare and fun, starting with… well, the Starters! Items like Church Lady Deviled Eggs and “Bunch of Puppies” with Pimento Cheese (I. LOVE. HUSHPUPPIES!). Church Lady Deviled Eggs @Homecoming FL, Twitter Account for Homecoming: Florida Kitchen and Southern Shine “Buns & Such” features a Fried Chicken Sandwich and a Fried Catfish Sandwich. But it’s the Main Plates that are especially eye-catching, I think. We’re gonna focus on the poultry here… what with Fried Chicken & DOUGHNUTS and Art’s Fabulous Fried Chicken on the menu! (Pair those up with some Cheddar Cheese Biscuits or Momma’s Mac and Cheese under the Sides menu!) Fried Chicken @Homecoming FL, Twitter Account for Homecoming: Florida Kitchen and Southern Shine Last week we spotted Chef Smith himself checking out some artwork at the new spot… Chef Art Smith looking at Homecoming … and we can’t wait to welcome him — and Homecoming! — to Disney Springs SOON! Which dish would you most like to try at Homecoming: Florida Kitchen and Southern Shine? Please let us know with a comment! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: Homecoming: Florida Kitchen and Shine Bar, Coming Soon to Disney Springs News: Chef Art Smith Restaurant in Disney Springs Confirmed Rumor: Chef Art’s Florida Fish Camp Coming to Disney Springs View the full article

I didn't even know I needed a Coca-Cola spatula until I saw one at Disney Springs. Walt Disney World's freshly rethemed entertainment complex is home of Coca-Cola Store Orlando, and, in the grand licensing tradition of the neighborhood, the new establishment is packed with an enormous assortment... View the full article

When it comes to celebrating the red, white and blue in Southern California, nothing comes close to the festivities in Huntington Beach, and the highlight of the celebration is the Huntington Beach annual Fourth of July parade. This year marked the 112th anniversary of the patriotic procession, and thousands of people lined the streets of “Surf City USA” to view the bands, floats and military participants. We’re proud that Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse were chosen to serve as the co-grand marshals, accompanied by Disneyland Resort Ambassador Allie Kawamoto. Befitting their status, they were pulled in an antique vis-à-vis carriage by Disneyland Resort horses Reggie and Brother, marking the first time our Circle D horses have participated in this popular local tradition. Take a look at the video to see our steadfast equine team in action. View the full article

Characters from the record-breaking hit film "Finding Dory" will join the latest Disney On Ice show, heading to Orlando this September. "Follow Your Heart," the latest production from Feld Entertainment's Disney On Ice will feature forgetful fish Dory, her old chums Nemo and Marlin and new pal... View the full article

Let’s Ride Star Tours – The Adventures Continue | Action Movie Kid | Star Wars | Walt Disney World View the full article

Who’s up for an adventure? Because we’ve certainly got one for you! Learn About: La Cava del Tequila Epcot Restaurants Disney World Restaurants I know we can all agree on one thing: there is nowhere better to grab a Margarita than La Cava del Tequila in Epcot’s Mexico Pavilion. The staff there is warm and friendly. The surroundings are beautiful and cozy (and cool!!). And the handcrafted margaritas are some of the best, most interesting versions of this beloved cocktail that you can get anywhere. And if you’ve tried to indulge in a visit here, then you know this for sure: La Cava is always PACKED. But here’s the thing. La Cava isn’t satisfied to leave things the way they are. They’re always developing the next hot trend, the next new thing. And today, we’re going to talk about something that would be adventurous anywhere. But when you put it within the framework of a Disney Park? Salts and Pineapple Margarita Amazing. Time to check out La Cava’s newest offerings — Rim Salts in a variety of over the top combinations, new Margaritas, new spirits, and more. Ready? Here we go! La Cava del Tequila New Salts, Margaritas, and More On a recent visit to Walt Disney World, I was invited to meet up with staff at La Cava del Tequila — some of the most talented and fun people on the planet — to learn more about some of the new Rim Salts they’re introducing. While you know I’ve been a huge fan of the drinks at La Cava since I sampled my first avocado margarita way back in 2009, the custom blended salts that they use to rim the glasses make them even more unique. Take a look at the colorful array. New Salts at La Cava del Tequila Intrigued? I was too. Some of these have been around for a while, but some are brand new…and VERY interesting. Included in the six are Hibiscus Salt, Tajin, Poblano Pepper Salt, Black Ant Salt, Grasshopper Salt, and Mezcal Worm Salt. And, yes, the final three are actually made of crushed up insects. So….let’s take a peek at how they’re being used at La Cava, shall we? You’ve experienced the Hibiscus Salt, bottom right, if you’ve enjoyed a Jalapeño or Avocado Margarita. Avocado Margarita at La Cava del Tequila And fans of the Cucumber, Maelstrom, Passion Fruit, and Blood Orange Margaritas will recognize the bright, spicy tang of the Tajin Salt (a favorite of DFB staffers. ). Blood Orange Margarita The Poblano Pepper Salt is my new favorite. It’s is earthy and spicy, and complements the Beet Margarita well. And speaking of…we didn’t love that Beet Marg the first time we tried it. The staff actually took it back to the drawing board and tweaked the recipe by adding additional orange liqueur. The result was a drink that was as delicious as it is gorgeous. The contrast of the red drink and the green salt is a total showstopper, both in terms of look and flavor. You’ll also notice a new thing that La Cava is doing in this pic: these days, they’re only salting half of the glass rims. That way you get to taste the drink with and without it the salt. Beet Margarita with Poblano Pepper Salt So it’s been pretty interesting up to this point, right? Well, it’s about to go to a whole other level. It’s time for the insects! The Blank Ant Salt is a mixture of dried chiles, crushed black ants, salt and sugar. (And if you’re having Black Ant Salt deja vu, it might be because we just told you about it in our review of Frontera Cocina.) If you look closely at the pic below, you can see little ant legs and antennae. No joke. Closeup on Black Ant Rim at Frontera Cocina You’ll find this one used for the Top Shelf Margarita made with Casa Nobles Blanco. But you’ll also spy it on the new, unfrozen Tamarind Margarita as well as the Minty Pineapple. Speaking of — we had the chance to sample both during the tasting. The Pineapple Margarita brings together Pineapple Juice with Zignam Mezcal, house made Mint Cordial (a combo of sugar, water, and fresh mint), and Cherry Liqueur. Pineapple Margarita This was fantastic! And potentially another new favorite! (I know, I know. There are so many.) Pineapple Margarita with Black Ant Salt Rim And it was love at first sip when I previously tried the Tamarind Margarita. But the drink is now served on the rocks instead of frozen. It’s still delicious, so don’t miss it! Tamarind Margarita — Now on the Rocks So what’s my verdict on the Black Ant Salt? Welllllll…I’m gonna be honest with you. You can actually see the ant legs, and for some reason, that weirds me out. So I’m gonna have to tell you that this is not my cup of tea. But that wasn’t the only member of Team Insect that we experienced. Because there’s also a Grasshopper Salt. You’ll find the Grasshopper Salt used with drinks featuring Mezcal. It’s a natural partnership: Mezcal comes from Oaxaca, and you’ll see the insects featured in that region quite a bit. For the tasting, we sampled Mezcal in what looked a LOT like a candle holder from the Catholic church I grew up going to! When I asked why I was being served a drink in a votive holder, I was told that it’s customary! Throughout Mexico, you’ll now often find Mezcal served in these vaso veladoras, which are basically candleholders used in the Catholic church. They were manufactured in Oaxaca and are often engraved with a cross at the bottom. (Those who imbibe are told to “drink until you see the cross!”) Note, however, that though the veladora is the size of shot glass, this is NOT a shot. Mezcal is meant to be savored slowly. Mezcal Shot — Drink Until You See the Cross The shot was served with a wedge of Orange — which goes beautifully with Mezcal — and the aforementioned grashopper salt. I sampled Salvacion Tobasiche and loved it. I enjoy the smooth flavor of Mezcal more than Tequila most of the time. Mezcal Shot Served with Grasshopper Salt But. The Salt. Again with the bug legs. So cool. And just so super not my thing. I do have good news for you, though. If Ants and Grasshoppers don’t do it for you, well, there are always Worms. As in Mezcal Worm Salt, which blends ground worms from Mezcal with chiles. While I didn’t see it in action, I did taste it (not bad!!) , and I’m sure that the good folks at La Cava will come up with an awesome way to use it. Sotol Tasting and Tequila Barrel Tasting But experiencing the remarkable rim salts wasn’t all that I enjoyed. The staff also gave me the chance to sample some fantastic other things. We began with a Sotol tasting. If you aren’t familiar with the spirit, you aren’t alone. Sotol Tasting As Mezcal is to Central Mexico, so Sotol is to the North. Made from the Desert Spoon or, Sotol, the drink can be traced to ancient times. And if you’re intrigued, you’ll be happy to know that it’s gaining popularity. It’s hard to find right now, but its sustainable nature and enjoyable flavor are making it trendy. That should lead to more of it here in the States, I’d imagine. Sotol And yep — it was the perfect opportunity for me to break out my special custom AJ tequila glass, kept at La Cava just for my visits. Sotol in My Glass :-) But it wouldn’t be a visit to La Cava without a little Tequila. Right? And we had a chance to sample some of the Best of the Best! The La Cava staff actually goes to Mexico several times each year for tasting and buying trips. (I know. Hard job, eh?) They only buy barrels that they’ve actually tasted, and that they deem worthy of La Cava. I don’t know about you, but that makes me feel pretty special! In choosing barrels, just to give you an idea, one out of twelve barrels of Casa Noble makes the cut, while only one in eight of Patron will find a home at La Cava. Patron Select With this incredible attention to detail, it’s easy to see why La Cava del Tequila is so well loved among those who visit Epcot, and with Tequila masters. And us! Us too! And that’s the tale of how I spent several happy hours in the Mexico Pavilion lately, on a mission that was as educational as it was fun. You should totally do the same. And that’s what I want to hear from you now: What will you be trying the very next time you visit La Cava del Tequila? Leave a comment and tell us what you think! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: Review: La Cava del Tequila in Epcot’s Mexico Pavilion Review: Maelstrom and Tamarind Margaritas at La Cava del Tequila in Epcot’s Mexico Pavilion Coming Soon?? Personalized Glasses at La Cava del Tequila in Epcot’s Mexico Pavilion View the full article

Earlier this week, we kicked off a new series featuring Port Adventures in the Mediterranean. Today let’s look at the fun your family can enjoy in Olbia, a tranquil fishing town on the Italian island of Sardinia. Coda Cavallo Beach – Just south of Olbia, soak up the Mediterranean sun on your visit to the charming village of Coda Cavallo, where breathtaking blue waters, white-sand beaches and rocky shorelines meet. At this seaside paradise, you’ll enjoy a reserved area to spend the day, complete with a beach umbrella, lounge chairs and nearby refreshments. Swim in the warm water or simply lay back and enjoy the vista of untouched shore surrounded by lush wilderness. Moon Valley – Moon Valley is a unique and awe-inspiring geological environment with sculptured white rocks that look as if they were handmade. On this Port Adventure, you’ll have the chance to wander this natural oasis and admire the statuesque rocks. Your journey to Moon Valley includes a guided city tour in Tempio Pausania, the ancient capital of the Gallura region and cork capital of Italy, and a stop in the village of Aggius where you’ll have a photo opportunity of the impressive cliffs that loom high above. Costa Smeralda – Follow the Emerald Coast to the famous seaside vacation destinations of Baia Sardinia and Porto Cervo. Spend your free time in these popular, upscale beach towns exploring, shopping and enjoying the spectacular views of the crystal-clear Mediterranean and harbors brimming with yachts. In Porto Cervo, you’ll also have the chance to take a relaxing tour of the village by “wheeled” train. For those of you traveling without children, an adult-only departure is also offered for this tour. Up next, I’ll give you suggestions for what to do in Naples and Salerno, Italy. Remember, when the ship’s in port, venture ashore! View the full article

Today, we’re happy to share that our next #DisneyParksLIVE stream will showcase the brand new stage show, “Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire,” live from Magic Kingdom Park on July 11. If you haven’t had the chance to check it out yet, the stage show brings beloved Disney stories to life in a spectacular performance that features an original song, memorable music, dancing, delightful costumes and magical special effects. You can expect to see favorite Disney characters like Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck and Goofy, plus a wonderful cast of characters from some of Disney’s newest classics, including “Frozen,” “Tangled” and “The Princess and the Frog.” Our live stream will begin at 4:10 p.m. ET. Join us minutes before the show starts to learn more about how new shows and entertainment are created for Walt Disney World Resort. (A fresh blog post containing the live stream feed will be ready and waiting at the top of the blog on July 11). Will you tune in? View the full article

WHAT: Magic Kingdom has introduced a pin-based scavenger hunt with a steampunk theme. Paying participants use clues and a handful of stops in the theme park to collect pins and become an "Official QuestEAR." The tasks may be completed in a single trip to Disney or over time. WHEN: The program lasts... View the full article

The big news at Epcot this summer is the opening of Frozen Ever After and the re-opening, renovating and reimagining of Soarin', which has been renamed Soarin' Around the World. Walt Disney World visitors have lined up all the way to China for Frozen Ever After, the attraction formerly known as... View the full article

Last month, ALEX AND ANI introduced new “Words Are Powerful” color infusion bangles inspired by Disney sayings and attributes of some of our most beloved characters. On July 18, we continue the release of these amazing new pieces. An inspiration to all, Elsa is a reminder to let it go and “Be True To Yourself.” Depicted on an icy blue colored charm, her iconic silhouette is framed by frozen fractals galore. The other uplifting bangle encourages you to “think happy thoughts,” highlighting everyone’s favorite spirited pixie, Tinker Bell! Each of these bangles costs $44.95 plus tax and will be available in both Shiny Gold and Shiny Silver finishes. They will be available online here, on the Shop Disney Parks app via Shop iOS or Shop Android, and in stores at: Disneyland Resort Disney California Adventure park – Elias & Co. Disneyland park – Fortuosity Shop Downtown Disney District – Disney Vault 28 and World of Disney Store Walt Disney World Resort Disney’s Animal Kingdom – Discovery Trading Company Disney’s Contemporary Resort – Bayview Gifts Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Keystone Clothiers Disney Springs – Tren-D and World of Disney Store Epcot – Mouse Gear Magic Kingdom Park – Emporium Will you be adding these ALEX AND ANI bangles to your collection? Let me know here on the Disney Parks Blog or share your collection with us @DisneyParks, @DisneylandToday, @WDWToday and @alexandani using #StyleHappensHere and #CHARMEDARMS. View the full article

After working at Walt Disney World Resort for 33 years before leaving to become a teacher, it’s not surprising that it didn’t take long for Roberto Martinez to return to the Happiest Place on Earth. Martinez, who performed with the Mariachi Cobre at Epcot for more than three decades, was back at Walt Disney World Resort over the weekend and he didn’t come alone. As the music director for the Mariachi Heritage Foundation in Chicago, he brought his students with him for a fun-filled and education-based trip that’s part of the Disney Performing Arts program. The students, led by Martinez, performed their up-tempo, rhythmic Mexican-style music in front of Disney guests from across the nation and around the world. During their six-day trip, the students also immersed themselves in a Disney Performing Arts custom mariachi workshop at Epcot where students learned the essentials of tonality and dynamics under the guidance of the Mariachi Cobre. Afterwards, the students watched a Mariachi Cobre performance at Epcot’s Mexico Pavilion and eventually performed briefly with the band. Originally from Tucson, Arizona, Martinez was a member of the community youth group known as “Los Changuitos Feos” that traveled to Disneyland every year to participate in the Cinco de Mayo festival and perform in the parade. Since then, the group has maintained a good relationship with Disney which later led to the 1982 establishment of the Mariachi Cobre at Epcot, which is one of the most well-known mariachi bands in the United States. Martinez’s return to Walt Disney World Resort is just one of the many inspiring stories that you’ll find as part of the Disney Performing Arts program. Interested vocal, instrumental and dance ensembles from all around the world can apply to perform each year as part of the program at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort. Interested groups can visit www.DisneyPerformingArts.com or call 1-800-603-0552 for more information. View the full article

Anna & Elsa at Epcot's Royal Sommerhus | Walt Disney World View the full article

I know that you have been waiting for more information on Princess Elena and her arrival at Magic Kingdom Park this August. While we can’t reveal much at this time, I wanted to share with you Elena’s anthem song from Disney Channel’s “Elena of Avalor!” “My Time” is performed by Aimee Carrero, who voices the title character in the series, which tells the story of a brave and adventurous teenager who has saved her kingdom from an evil sorceress and must now learn to rule as crown princess until she is old enough to be queen. The song is influenced by Mariachi and Huapango musical styles. Walt Disney Records released “My Time” as a digital single on iTunes on June 24. They will also release a seven-track EP featuring songs from the series on Friday, July 22, the same day “Elena of Avalor” premieres on Disney Channel. The original songs, which include the theme song performed by Latin Grammy Award-winner Gaby Moreno, consist of an array of Latin musical styles including Mariachi, Latin Pop, Salsa, Banda and Chilean Hip Hop. Stay tuned to the #DisneyFamilia posts for more information on Princess Elena. View the full article

Ladies and Gentleman… watch as signs for the AbracadaBar magically appear on Disney World’s Boardwalk right before your very eyes!! AbracadaBar Sign That’s right! Signage is up for AbracadaBar, the magically-themed lounge scheduled to open later this summer! AbracadaBar Coming to Disney World’s Boardwalk As the story goes, guests will still be able to feel the magic in the air at what was once a secret haunt of Boardwalk magicians — a group of entertainers that mysteriously vanished around 70 years ago. The “Enchanting Elixers” and “Curious Concoctions” served at the lounge will allow guests to taste a bit of the lingering magic, as well as experience it through the sights and sounds of the bar itself. AbracadaBar Coming to Disney World’s Boardwalk Look for AbracadaBar to be located in the space formerly occupied by Seashore Sweets right next door to the Flying Fish, which is currently undergoing a lengthy refurbishment of its own. Refurbishment Walls surrounding Flying Fish It is anticipated that AbracadaBar will debut in conjunction with the reopening of Flying Fish. Though the reopening date is not yet known, it’s slated for late summer (and indeed, as of the publishing of this post, hours for the Flying Fish appear for dates beginning August 14th on its Disney World webpage — though we should stress that Advance Dining Reservations are NOT bookable at this time, so this date should be considered an estimate at best). And now, for my last trick, I’ll perform my very own vanishing act… but I’ll reappear with more information about AbracadaBar here on the DFB as soon as it becomes available! Are you excited to visit AbracadaBar when it opens? Please let us know with a comment! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: News: Flying Fish and the NEW AbracadaBar Lounge Open in Late Summer Sneak Peek INSIDE: Ample Hills Creamery on Disney World’s BoardWalk (And Rumored Opening Date!) Sneak Peek and Review: Trattoria al Forno Breakfast at Disney’s BoardWalk View the full article

This summer, guests will again have the opportunity to visit in France, Italy and Spain on 12-night or 7-night sailings during the 2016 Disney Cruise Line Mediterranean season. From prehistoric ruins to grand palaces, there is a wealth of UNESCO World Heritage Sites guests can explore in Europe’s most exciting and celebrated cities. Today, I have a sneak preview of commemorative merchandise created especially for these cruises. Artwork for these special itineraries was created by Disney Design Group, including artist Tim Whalen. Each piece of art was then compiled into a style guide, which the merchandising team referenced when creating products. The image above contains two of my favorite designs by Tim. The Mediterranean season collection includes apparel for both adults and youth. We’ll also release a commemorative logo pin that was inspired by Tim’s artwork. Guests will find a women’s fashion tee and hoodie along with and a men’s Nike polo shirt, T-shirt and Quarter Zip fleece. Other keepsakes to consider include a die-cut postcard, wood magnet, ornament, toothpick holder, and tumbler. There is also a scrapbook kit and photo album, which are perfect items for displaying memories from the trip. Merchandise will be available at White Caps, Deck 4, Forward, in addition to other select locations. White Caps is also home to a variety of trunk shows that take place during select cruises. Finally, I invite you to stop by Sea Treasures, Deck 3, Forward, where you’ll discover authentic keepsakes, traditional crafts, folk art and other Mediterranean must-have’s items. Next stop … New York, Canada and the New England coast as well as the Bahamas! View the full article

iNSIDE Disney Parks - Episode 4 | New Attractions at Disney Parks View the full article

Have you had a chance to check out Royal Sommerhus at Epcot yet? For the first time in forever, the royal sisters Anna and Elsa have opened up their summer home to greet guests. Located in the Norway pavilion at Epcot, the house is chock full of memories (and memorabilia) from the sisters travels with their parents when they were younger. Now that Elsa is queen, the house has reopened so the sisters can relive their fond memories and make new ones with guests. Take a look at the video below for more. View the full article

The return of summer means more opportunities to enjoy meals outside with friends or family. For guests planning summertime cookouts, Disney Parks Merchandise has a variety of home goods that will add a splash of Disney to your dinner table. I found several products during recent visits to Disney Springs and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park at Walt Disney World Resort. While at Disney Springs Marketplace, I found these two aprons at World of Disney and Mickey’s Pantry. They are the perfect accessory when firing up the grill this summer. The Mickey’s Pantry location also had cooking utensils such as appliqué over mitts with Mickey and Minnie Mouse. The shop also carried a selection of cookbooks including “A Cooking Safari with Mickey” that was previously discussed on the Disney Parks Blog. At the Marketplace Co-Op, I stopped by the Disney Centerpiece boutique which carries a fantastic selection of dinnerware. My newest obsession is the vintage collection that contains drinkware, dessert plates, placemats and more. The location also offers a 24-piece flatware set and a 5-piece service set that both have nods to Mickey Mouse. Finally, I found an incredible selection of gourmet spices, teas, herbs, sea salts, sugars and more at The Spice & Tea Exchange located inside Mickey’s Pantry. My other favorite place for unique flavors is Zuri’s Sweets Shop in Harambe Market at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The shop has African spice rubs and, my favorite, bottles of sweet and spice barbeque sauce from Flame Tree Barbeque restaurant. Look for these items at select locations throughout Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts. We also carry a handful of home goods on the Disney Parks online store. For a much larger selection you can have shipped directly to your home, try using the free Shop Disney Parks mobile app. View the full article

We’re heading back to Whispering Canyon Cafe for dinner! Learn About: Whispering Canyon Cafe Disney World Restaurants This fun spot, located at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort, is the perfect place to dine with the whole family. What can you expect at Whispering Canyon? Generous portions, comfort foods, lots of all you care to enjoy options, and antics aplenty. If I’m not enjoying breakfast here during a Walt Disney World visit, then you’ll probably find me at the dinner table at least once a year. And that was the case recently. Let’s check it out. Atmosphere If you’re trying to locate Whispering Canyon Cafe, you can’t really miss it. It’s immediately to your left as soon as you walk through the doors of the Wilderness Lodge. Whispering Canyon Sign Because it’s not all that removed — or removed at all — from the lobby, that means that when the antics really get going, you’re probably going to hear them throughout the space. Antics, she said? What antics? Well, things like this: Warning — Good Times Ahead — Click to Enlarge So don’t say you weren’t warned. But you may want to know just exactly what kind of goings-on you can expect. Well, in the morning, you might see kids’ hobby horse races: Dining Room During Morning Races And in the evening, naughty parents may be coerced into the same for their misdeeds. Hobby Horse Race at Whispering Canyon Cafe Ask for straws, and you’re likely to get a handful thrown at you. And what happens if you request ketchup? Well, probably this: Someone Asked for Ketchup . . . Is there a way to stop this madness if it’s not something that you dig? Well, yes. Yes there is. Use these handy Flip Cards to communicate your wishes to your server. If you don’t want to play along, let them know, and they’ll pull back on the zany. Flip Card — Red “Watch from the Fence!” Side Flip Card –Green ” Jump and Play” Side Seating at Whispering Canyon Cafe is fairly basic. Tables and chairs comprise most of the seating. Seating I do love the old fashioned motifs on the backs of the chairs. You can play Cowboys and Indians to your heart’s content. Cowboys and Indians on the Back of Chairs And when it’s time for fun, they’ll call you with the triangle! The Triangle! Ready to move on from the playing and get down to the serious business of eating? Me too. Let’s go. Eats At Whispering Canyon Cafe, the core of the menu just doesn’t change a whole lot. The thing to get here are all-you-care-to-eat skillets for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They have a la carte items as well, of course, but the most popular items are the skillets. Menu Cover A few years ago, when they briefly fiddled with the menu and removed the skillets, there were nearly riots. Fortunately, they’ve returned all of the menus — breakfast, lunch, and dinner — to a mix of skillets and a la carte options. So order has been restored. In the spirit of the “All You Care to Enjoy” phenomenon, I decided to start with a Whispering Canyon hallmark — a Bottomless Milkshake. This time out I chose Vanilla. I love the little extra decadence in the form of Whipped Cream on top…as if all-you-can-drink milkshakes aren’t quite enough. And here’s a TIP — You can get them for breakfast, too! Bottomless Milkshake Once we placed our food orders, a lovely loaf of sweet Cornbread arrived, accompanied by Whipped Butter. This is pretty much the same stuff you’ll get around the Wilderness Lodge and Fort Wilderness, including Hoop Dee Doo Revue. And that’s a good thing. This is pretty killer cornbread. Cornbread with Butter On to appetizers! We spied some new menu items, so we decided to give a few a try. First up were the Duck Pot Stickers. I found these to be less like Potstickers and more like full-on fried dumplings. They were served with a Soy Dipping Sauce. Duck Pot Stickers I’m a duck fan, and a dumpling fan, and we found these to be deeeee-licious. No joke; we loved ‘em. Wilderness Lodge restaurants have been incorporating Asian-themed menu items for several years now, and this is a highly recommended one. Duck Potstickers — Inside Next, I couldn’t pass up one of the most popular Whispering Canyon starters, the Gold Rush Western Chips. The heaping plate of Tortilla Chips is served with a Chili-Queso for dipping. We weren’t too impressed with the chips here (our group was largely from Texas where chips and queso are a way of life), but the chili-queso with a sour cream floater was substantial and smokey. Plus, as you can see, the serving size was HUGE. Gold Rush Western Chips I’ll go ahead and give away the plot now — one of us ordered the All-You-Care-to-Enjoy Skillet. As part of the entree, you get a salad to start. It’s a pretty serious deal, chock full of Veggies, and topped with Blue Cheese Crumbles, apples, and Apple Vinaigrette Dressing. This was nicely fresh and a good amount to share even though we only ordered one skillet. Family Style Mixed Greens Salad Soon, our entrees began to arrive. Let’s start with the All-You-Care-to-Enjoy Skillet. This is a whole lotta food, even when the portion is just for one person. In addition to the Meats Team — Smoked Pork Ribs, Barbecued Pulled Pork, Roasted Glazed Chicken, Beef Brisket, and Western-style Sausage — you also get ample side dishes. All You Care to Enjoy Skillet On this visit, we also received a Vegetable Medley, Mashed Yukon Potatoes, Corn on the Cob, and Cowboy-style Baked Beans. The skillet overall, is still a major winner. This is all-you-care-to-eat, so you can order more of anything. The winner on the meat team was the Barbecue Pork. The loser? Chicken. And I’ll tell you right now to order extra of those mashed potatoes! All You Care to Enjoy Skillet — Another View I had enjoyed the Skillet on a previous visit, so this time out, I decided to try the Steak-Your-Claim Char-Crusted New York Strip. The presentation was pretty upscale for Whispering Canyon, I thought. Steak-Your-Claim Char-crusted New York Strip The steak came nicely marked from the grill, and I loved the ample serving of Blue Cheese Compound Butter on top to add an extra element of flavor. The Housemade Steak Sauce (that’s the schmear on the plate — there was no added steak sauce on top of the steak) also adds another dimension. And the accompaniments of pencil-thin fresh sauteed Asparagus and roasted New Potatoes were simple, but well executed. Steak-Your-Claim Char-crusted New York Strip A cross-cut of the steak indicated that it was cooked nearly perfectly. And, honestly, this was much better than I’d expected it to be. The flavors were spot on. Steak-Your-Claim Char-crusted New York Strip — Inside We certainly could have called it a day right there! But Whispering Canyon has some wonderful comfort food-inspired desserts. And there was no way we were taking a pass. My friend opted for the Campfire-Style Gooey Cake. Campfire-Style Gooey Cake Campfire-Style Gooey Cake — Up Close Basically, this is a Lava Cake, with a super liquidy, chocolate center. Chocolate fanatics — you’ve come to the right place. It was amazing, but I’d highly recommend ordering it with a scoop of ice cream. Campfire-Style Gooey Cake — Inside Sadly, one of my favorite desserts, the Apple Caramel Pie, was nowhere to be found on the menu. Why Disney? Why? So we contented ourselves with our second favorite dessert here — Fruit Cobbler à la Mode. Fruit Cobbler à la Mode I love that the warm-from-the-oven dessert comes topped with BOTH Whipped Cream AND Ice Cream. Fruit Cobbler à la Mode — Up Close Both of them sort of melt into the cakey cobbler in a wonderful way. And speaking of the cobbler, it’s seasonal; so on my visit, we had a peach-blueberry version. SO good! And that sweet cake crust on top was the next best thing to a streusel in my estimation. It was delicious. Fruit Cobbler à la Mode — Inside So much great food! And another successful dinner at Whispering Canyon Cafe. Overall Whispering Canyon Cafe maintains its standing as one of our favorite family friendly restaurants in Walt Disney World. With a lively atmosphere, decent service (referring to the actual taking of and fulfilling orders, since the servers are supposed to be a bit tongue-in-cheek here when it comes to how they treat guests), and good (bordering on great) menu items, I am comfortable recommending this spot nearly every time I eat there. Sure, you aren’t going to enjoy a romantic candlelight dinner here. (Well. Not unless you’re really unique in your tastes.) But that’s not what you’re here to experience. You’re here for stick-to-your-ribs food, and a rowdy good time. And don’t forget — YOU set the tone and control the rowdy. Don’t hesitate to tell your server if you’d rather have a quieter dining experience. As for me, I’ll keep enjoying my Skillet with a side of fun. Because that’s how we roll here at DFB. But now, I’d love to hear from you guys! What’s your favorite dish or experience at Whispering Canyon Cafe? Leave a comment and let us know what you think! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: Review: Breakfast at Whispering Canyon Cafe in Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort Review: Dinner at Whispering Canyon Cafe in Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Review: New Lunch Menu at Whispering Canyon Cafe in Disney’s Wilderness Lodge View the full article

The Jungle Navigation Co., Ltd. Skipper Canteen opened in late 2015 in Adventureland at the Magic Kingdom, serving up exotic dishes and Jungle Cruise Skipper humor on the side! One of the fan-favorite items on the menu is the S.E.A. Shu Mai, described as “legendary” dumplings that were also apparently a favorite of the Society of Explorers and Adventurers (S.E.A.). And now we’re able to re-create these delicious dumplings at home! S.E.A. Shu Mai Dumpling You’ll need a meat grinder or food processor for this recipe but the combining of the meat looks to be the most time-consuming part of the recipe! Skipper Canteen’s S.E.A. Shu Mai Jungle Cruise Navigation Co., Ltd. Skipper Canteen Shu Mai Filling 1/2 pound Boston butt, cut into 2-inch cubes 1/4 pound shrimp pieces 1/4 cup water chestnuts 2 tablespoons chopped shallots 2 tablespoons mung beans or edamame 1/4 cup tightly packed arugula 1/2 teaspoon fish sauce 1/2 teaspoon Sriracha 1/4 teaspoon coarse salt 1/8 teaspoon black pepper 16 wonton wrappers Dipping Sauce 1/4 cup lower sodium soy sauce 1 tablespoon sambal oelek For Shu Mai 1. Grind Boston butt, shrimp, water chestnuts, shallots, mung beans, arugula, fish sauce, Sriracha, coarse salt, and black pepper in a meat grinder or food processor. 2. Place 2 tablespoons of filling in the center of each wonton wrapper. 3. Fold the sides of the wonton wrapper up and gently crimp, leaving the top of the meat exposed. 4. Steam in a steamer basket over a pot of boiling water for 8-10 minutes, until center of shu mai reaches 145°F. For Dipping Sauce 1. Combine lower sodium soy sauce and sambal oelek. 2. Serve with shu mai. Will you be cooking up these dumplings? Let us know in the comments! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: First Look! Jungle Navigation Co., Ltd. Skipper Canteen Restaurant in Disney World! (Yep — the Jungle Cruise Restaurant!) FULL Review: The New Jungle Navigation Co., Ltd. Skipper Canteen in Disney World’s Adventureland News! Jungle Cruise Restaurant — Skipper Canteen — Officially Coming to Disney World! View the full article